10 Best Moments From the 2024 Oscars

The 96th Annual Academy Awards were last night. Here are my top 10 favorite moments, in no particular order…

1. Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Best Supporting Actress win

Image: Kevin Winter

This was hands down the best win of the night. The Holdovers inspired me at a time when I needed it the most. Randolph brought so many moments of humanity to the film that gave her character so much depth that it was impossible not to award her this Oscar. 

2. Ryan Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” with Slash

Image: Patrick T. Fallon

This was the best performance in Oscars history. From bringing ‘Kens’ to the stage with him to the appearance from Slash to the nod to Marilyn, Ryan truly brought the ‘Kenergy’ to the Oscars stage. 

3. Al Pacino nonchalantly awarded Oppenheimer Best Picture

Image: Caroline Brehman

In honor of The Godfather’s 20th anniversary, Al Pacino awarded Best Picture to Oppenheimer in a way that made it seem like you were up next at a doctor’s appointment. 

4. Standing ovation for Billie and Finneas

Image: Kevin Winter

Billie Eilish and Finneas took to the stage for a performance of “What Was I Made For,” which ultimately won the Oscar for Best Original Song. This also made Billie the youngest two-time Oscar winner in history. The end of the performance was met with a complete standing ovation of girlpower and kenergy, which you could feel through the TV screen. A personal favorite reaction was from Kate McKinnon.

5. John Cena’s shamelessly nude moment

Image: Kevin Winter

In honor of 50 years since the Oscars’ streaker, John Cena took the stage in full nude to present the award for best costume design. Everyone laughed, and he looked great doing it!

6. Previous winners paying tribute to this year’s Best Acting categories

Image: Kevin Winter

For each of the four acting categories, a previous winner for each nominee took the stage to say some beautiful words before announcing the winner. Some of the earlier winners included Brendan Fraiser (The Whale), Mahershala Ali (Green Book and Moonlight), Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook), and Rita Moreno (West Side Story). 

7. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt debating Barbenheimer’s success

Image: Kevin Winter

Before paying homage to the stunt teams of 2024, Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling had fun bantering about Barbie and Oppenheimer‘s success. They decided that Barbie dominated the box office while Oppenheimer swept the award show circuit. 

8. Beetlejuice and Twins reunion

Image: Kevin Winter

A fun way to keep audiences engaged is to tease them with reunions you know they’ll want to see. Some of my favorites included Michael Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, who presented Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Danny Devito and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who presented Best Visual Effects. 

9. Emma Stones’s reaction to winning Best Actress

The Academy / Deadline Hollywood / Via youtube.com

My favorite thing about Emma Stone is her candid nature; she can’t help but be genuine. She was absolutely floored at her second win, and even told the audience that she ripped her dress dancing to “I’m Just Ken.” No one could have pulled off the role of Bella Baxter except her.

10. Cord Jefferson’s acceptance speech

Image: Rich Polk

When Cord Jefferson accepted his award for Best Adapted Screenplay, he acknowledged the next generation of filmmakers. He said the next Martin Scorsese or Christopher Nolan is out there, just waiting for their chance. Someone took a chance on a first-time director like him, and look where he is now – an Oscar winner.